My Story

Hi!

I'm Kim, the founder of  Solo Stylist Support LLC, bringing 30 years of self-employed experience in the beauty industry to help others survive the business burdens to actually enjoy being behind the chair! I understand exactly where you might be and feel passionately about providing personalized support in our industry now more than ever.

At age 19, I graduated from Continental School of Beauty and jumped right into assisting for a short period of time. Still lacking real experience, I then went to a big chain salon, where I became the manager within a year. That boost of confidence gave me the push to go out on my own. I found my first chair rental location but quickly realized I had jumped in way too soon, failed, and ended up working for another chain as an employee again. It was there that I built a substantial clientele, allowing me to try again and pursue my goal of being my own boss.

So, my self-employed journey began, and 17 years of renting a chair led me to open my current 11-person chair rental salon in Rochester, New York successfully for the past 8 years.  I would NEVER glorify it coming with ease and I would transparently say it has been achieved with many highs and lows. I juggled personal losses, financial challenges, while doing it as a single mother and yet still found success as a business owner. 

I have helped many renters find their forever work home, assisted salon owners in opening their own salons, and have unofficially been doing this type of support work for years. The timing to make this official this year was without hesitation, after witnessing a significant shift in the beauty industry.  Sadly, seeing local salons closing around me and talking with many stylists who are overwhelmingly burned out, especially in today's economy.

This has led me to put together a combination of my personal and business knowledge in a simplified way to relate and support you in the most important aspects of being in business for yourself in our crazy industry. I've learned what works and what hurts.... and everything in between!  My journey has not only shaped me as a person but also deepened my insights into the beauty industry, and I am so ready to work with you on yours!